Aaron Rodgers practices, awaits word on whether he'll play

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers hasn't been officially cleared to play in Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Associated Press)

Aaron Rodgers looked fine on the practice field Thursday. It doesn't mean he is going to play.

There was no definitive word on whether Rodgers would be medically cleared to return from his left collarbone injury in time for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was just another day in the guessing game called "When Will the Franchise Quarterback Return" for the Packers.

Coach Mike McCarthy indicated he would name his starter Friday. Rodgers also made several references to his playing status being an "organizational decision."

Backup Matt Flynn took the majority of the reps Thursday, McCarthy said. Flynn has said he's preparing this week as if he'll start.

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Texans interviewed Lovie Smith

The Houston Texans' search for their next head coach has begun with Lovie Smith.

NFL.com reported Thursday that Smith interviewed for the open position Monday, according to a person informed of the scheduled meeting. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. has been the interim coach since B was fired Dec. 6.

Smith was fired by the Chicago Bears after missing the playoffs in 2012 despite a 10-6 record. Smith was 81-63 in nine seasons with the Bears, including 3-3 in the playoffs. Smith's Bears lost Super Bowl XLI to the Indianapolis Colts in 2007.

According to the Houston Chronicle, the Texans also are interested in Penn State Coach Bill O'Brien and San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt. Phillips also is believed to be an option.

Welker like to sit Sunday

Denver receiver Wes Welker's second concussion in two months will probably keep him out of the Broncos' game Sunday at Houston, NFL.com reported.

Victor Cruz has knee surgery

New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz will miss the rest of the season after having surgery on his left knee.

Cruz had an arthroscopic debridement of the knee Thursday afternoon in Pensacola, Fla. after getting a second opinion on an injury he sustained last weekend against Seattle.

Etc.

Larry Fitzgerald said he practiced fully on Thursday but has one more concussion test to pass with an independent neurologist before he is cleared to play Sunday at Seattle. Still, the Arizona star wide receiver said he expects to play. So does quarterback Carson Palmer, who is dealing with a high ankle sprain.

Both were injured in Sunday's 37-34 overtime win at Tennessee.

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson remains on track to return to action this weekend despite being held out of practice Thursday for treatment on his sprained right foot.

Peterson practiced on a limited basis Wednesday. He wasn't on the field at all Thursday. But Coach Leslie Frazier said Peterson "should be fine" to play Sunday at Cincinnati. Peterson sat out the last game, against Philadelphia.

Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed will miss the rest of the season because of lingering effects from a concussion he suffered Nov. 17 against Philadelphia.

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